Method and conveyor device for conveying bulk material

ABSTRACT

In the method of the invention for conveying bulk goods by means of a conveying device comprising a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements ( 266, 269 ) arranged loosely in the conveying channel, the conveying elements are mechanically driven in the conveying direction in a first section of the conveying channel, before bulk goods are fed into the conveying channel in a second section of the conveying channel. The bulk goods are conveyed by movement of the conveying elements along the conveying direction in a third section of the conveying channel, wherein in this third section of the conveying channel the first conveying element ( 269 ) is pressed by the second conveying element ( 266 ) and/or the bulk goods through the conveying channel in the conveying direction. The invention also comprises a conveying device for carrying out this method.

The invention relates to a method and a conveying device for conveyingbulk goods.

Conveying devices of this kind, which are suitable for conveying bulkgoods such as, for example, rice, flour, wheat or corn along i.a. curvedpipes from an inlet for the bulk goods to an outlet for the bulk goodsare known from the prior art as tube or pipe chain conveyors orretarding disk conveyors.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,938 discloses a conveying device for bulk goodscomprising disk-like carriers. The carriers are arranged at a cable,wherein the cable comprising the carriers can be driven by means of agear wheel for conveying the bulk goods i.a. along curved pipe sectionsfrom an inlet to an outlet.

This known conveying device for bulk goods is disadvantageous in that,for example, when the carriers are damaged during operation, replacementthereof is laborious, thus leading to increased maintenance costs andreducing the mean throughput of bulk goods through the conveying device.Moreover, when a cable is used as pulling element with carriers mountedthereto, a length adaptation, for example, for decreasing or increasingthe length of the conveying device is complex. Moreover, the knownconveying device is disadvantageous in that a filling level of theconveying device cannot be adjusted.

NL 1025855 discloses a conveying device having a plurality of carrierscomprising an electrically conducting and/or magnetic material.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to avoid thedisadvantages of the known subject-matter, in particular to provide aconveying device, a carrier and a feeding device as well as a method bymeans of which a reliable operation of the conveying device is possiblewith little maintenance being necessary, wherein the operation of theconveying device is cost-efficient. It is a further object to provide afeeding device for allowing an adjustability of a filling level of theconveying device. It is an additional object of the present invention toprovide a method for upgrading and/or converting or refitting alreadyinstalled conveying devices so that they can be easily maintained duringoperation and are cost-efficient.

These objects are achieved by a method and a conveying device accordingto the claims.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF A CONVEYING DEVICE ACCORDING TOTHE INVENTION

For example, the conveying device comprises a conveying channel. Theconveying channel is formed in particular as a conveying pipe. At leastone carrier is arranged in the conveying channel. In particular, atleast two carriers are arranged in the conveying channel. The conveyingdevice comprises at least one drive for driving the at least one carrierfor conveying bulk goods along a conveying channel axis. The at leastone carrier is loosely arranged in the conveying channel at least insome sections along the conveying channel axis.

In the meaning of the present application, a “conveying device” isunderstood to be a device for in particular continuously conveying bulkgoods. In the meaning of the present application, a “continuousconveying” of bulk goods is in particular also understood to be aconveying of bulk goods in which the flow of bulk goods in the conveyingchannel is interrupted in some sections by carriers.

In the meaning of the present application, a “conveying channel” isunderstood to be a channel along the longitudinal axis of which bulkgoods can be conveyed. For example, a conveying channel can be formed asan open groove or as a hollow body with circular, triangular,rectangular or square cross-section or any other cross-sectional shapes.In particular, the conveying channel is formed as a conveying pipehaving a circular cross-section perpendicular with respect to thelongitudinal axis of the conveying pipe. Further, the conveying channelis in particular formed as a circumferential closed loop.

In the meaning of the present application, “a conveying channel axis” isunderstood to be the longitudinal axis of the conveying channel alongwhich, when being used as intended, the bulk goods are conveyed.

In the meaning of the present application, a “carrier” (“conveyingelement”) is understood to be an element by means of which, when beingused as intended, bulk goods can be conveyed substantially parallel withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the conveying channel by positioningthe carrier along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the carrier canbe arranged in a hollow body such as, e.g., a conveying pipe, and can bepositioned along the axis of the hollow body for conveying bulk goodsalong the axis of the hollow body.

In the meaning of the present application, the term “bulk goods” isunderstood to be grainy, floury or also fragmented goods which arepresent in pourable form and are in particular capable of flowing. Inparticular, bulk goods are understood to be rice, flour, grain, wheat,corn, flowing, powdery substances and any combinations thereof.

In the meaning of the present application, a “loose arrangement of acarrier at least in some sections along the conveying channel axis” isunderstood to be a carrier which is not directly connected to a drive inthis section. In this section, such a carrier is only moved along theconveying channel axis by carriers arranged adjacently along theconveying channel axis and/or bulk goods being conveyed. For example, ina drive section, a force is exerted on a carrier substantially parallelwith respect to the conveying channel axis, so that the carrier and bulkgoods being in contact with it are positioned substantially parallelwith respect to the conveying channel axis, wherein the carrier and/orthe bulk goods are moved outside the drive section of the conveyingdevice along the conveying channel axis.

In the meaning of the present application, the wording “A and/or B” isunderstood to mean the following possible combinations: A; B; A and B; Aand no B; B and no A.

Designing the conveying device with at least one carrier being looselyarranged in the conveying channel is advantageous in that a replacementof an, e.g., damaged carrier is easily possible because the carrier isloosely arranged in the conveying channel. Hence, the maintenance effortis reduced and thus the operation of the conveying device becomes morecost-efficient. Moreover, an adaptation to different conveying channellengths by removing or adding a carrier is advantageous.

In particular, the conveying channel is S-shaped in at least one sideview. This is advantageous in that a place-saving arrangement of theconveying device in particular in only one floor is possible. In theprior art, normally two or three floors in which the conveying device isarranged are necessary in this regard.

At least in the drive area, the conveying channel, in particular theconveying pipe, can comprise steel or can be made of steel.

Preferably, the conveying channel is formed as a guide means along theconveying channel axis for the carrier.

In the meaning of the present application, a “guide means” is understoodto be a means for limiting the movement of the carrier substantiallyperpendicularly with respect to the conveying channel axis.

This design of the conveying channel as a guide means for the carrier isadvantageous in that the carrier can only make a slight movementperpendicularly with respect to the conveying channel axis, so thatdamage to the carrier during operation is minimized.

This design of the conveying channel as guide means can, e.g., beachieved in that the mean cross-section of the conveying channel alongthe conveying channel axis has substantially a shape being congruent tothe mean cross-section of the carrier along the conveying channel axisso that the carrier can still be inserted in the conveying channel andhas little play in a direction laterally with respect to the conveyingchannel axis.

Particularly preferably, the drive is realized such that at least insome sections a force can be exerted by the drive directly on thecarrier substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channelaxis. For this purpose, the carrier can have at least one drive surfaceon which said force can be exerted. Advantageously, the drive surface iselastic and can be made, e.g., of plastic or rubber or can be coatedtherewith. It can thus be achieved that between the drive and thecarrier there is not only a punctiform contact but a linear or evenplanar contact. Moreover, the drive surface can comprise steel or can bemade of steel.

In the meaning of the present application, the wording that “a force canbe exerted directly” is understood such that the force is exerted by thedrive on the respective carrier and not by further carriers arrangedbetween the drive and the carrier and/or by bulk goods.

This design of the drive is advantageous in that the force can betransmitted to the carrier in a reliable manner even if the carriers arearranged in a loose manner.

Particularly preferably, at least in a drive section, the drive reachesinto the conveying channel for exerting a force on a carrier arranged inthe drive section in a manner substantially parallel with respect to theconveying channel axis.

This is advantageous in that the drive must be arranged only in aportion of the device, which facilitates maintenance of the conveyingdevice and simplifies the structural design of the conveying device.

In particular, the overall length of the carriers arranged in theconveying channel is smaller than the length of the conveying channelaxis. Preferably, the overall length of the carriers is larger than thelength of the conveying channel axis minus the length of the at leastone drive section.

This is advantageous in that the drive of the carriers in the conveyingchannel can be reliably guaranteed.

The “overall length” of the carriers is understood to be the effectivelongest elongation of a carrier along the conveying channel axismultiplied by the number of carriers arranged in the conveying channel.If the carriers have different designs, the “overall length” of thecarriers is understood to be the sum of the effective longest extensionsof the carriers along the conveying channel axis.

Preferably, the drive is configured such that a force can be exerted onthe carrier substantially in the circumferential region of the carrierfacing the inner wall of the conveying channel.

In the meaning of the present application, the wording that “a force canbe exerted substantially in the circumferential region of the carrierfacing the inner wall of the conveying channel” is understood such thatthe drive engages with the carrier by means of a drive means forexerting a force, wherein the drive means directly contacts a section inthe circumferential direction of the carrier.

This design is advantageous in that the drive must engage with theconveying channel only in the area of the inner wall in order to achievethe drive effect, so that collisions of the drive with other parts ofthe carrier or also a compression of bulk goods is minimized.

Particularly preferably, the drive can be selected or is selected fromthe list of the following kinds of drives or any combinations thereof:chain drive, belt drive, coupler mechanism, gear drive, worm drive,magnet drive, servo drives, direct drives. The coupler mechanism can berealized, e.g., as four bar mechanism, in particular as straight linedrive.

Drives of this kind are known to the person skilled in the art per se.Advantageously, the best suitable drive can be selected in accordancewith the requirements as well as, e.g., the structural boundaryconditions.

In particular, a coupler mechanism is used, which turned out to beparticularly advantageous during operation.

When using a magnet drive, it is in particular necessary to select thematerial for the carrier such that the alternating magnetic fieldsgenerated by the magnet drive allow the carriers to be driven.

In a first preferred version, the drive comprises at least one carrierbolt by means of which at least in some sections a force can be exerteddirectly on the carrier substantially parallel with respect to theconveying channel axis, in particular on a drive surface of the carrier.The carrier bolt preferably extends in a vertical direction at leastwhile a force is exerted on the carrier.

Advantageously, the drive of this first version is realized as a chaindrive and comprises at least one pair of driving chains, wherein any oneof two opposite ends of the carrier bolt is mounted to a respectivedrive chain of the pair of drive chains. In case the carrier boltsextend vertically, the drive then comprises at least one lower drivechain and at least one upper drive chain.

The drive can comprise only one single or a plurality of drive chainpairs with respective carrier bolts. In some embodiments of the firstversion, the carrier bolts are arranged laterally of the conveyingchannel. Preferably, the carrier bolts of a first drive chain pair arearranged at a first side of the conveying channel, and the carrier boltsof a second drive chain pair are arranged at a second side of theconveying channel opposite the first side. It is thus possible toprevent the carriers from becoming wedged together while the carrierbolts exert a force on them.

It is also preferable that the distance between two adjacent carrierbolts is substantially identical to the extension of the carriers alongthe conveying channel axis. This means that the distance between twoadjacent carrier bolts is at least as large as the extension of thecarriers along the conveying channel axis and at most 1.5 times,preferably at most 1.25 times and particularly preferably at most 1.1times this extension. In this manner it can be achieved that while beingdriven, the carriers contact each other at least nearly and thus thedistance between them is as small as possible. Preferably, the distancebetween two adjacent carrier bolts is larger than the extension of thecarriers along the conveying channel axis, in particular the ratio ofthese values can be at least 1.01. It is thus possible to achieve acertain play so as to compensate for production tolerances and/or weartolerances.

In a second preferred version, the drive is realized as a chain drive orbelt drive and comprises at least one drive chain having at least onecarrier projection. By means of this carrier projection, at least insome sections a force can be directly exertable on the carrier, inparticular on a drive surface of the carrier, substantially parallelwith respect to the conveying channel axis.

Also in the second version, the drive chain can be arranged laterally ofthe conveying channel. Only one single drive chain or also a pluralityof drive chains can be present. For example, a first drive chain withcarrier projections can be arranged at a first side of the conveyingchannel and a second drive chain with carrier projections can bearranged at a second side of the conveying channel opposite the firstside. Also in this manner the carriers can be prevented from becomingwedged together while the carrier bolts exert a force on them.

It is also preferable that the distance between two adjacent carrierprojections is substantially identical to the extension of the carriersalong the conveying channel axis. This means that the distance betweentwo adjacent carrier projections is at least as large as the extensionof the carriers along the conveying channel axis and at most 1.5 times,preferably at most 1.25 times and particularly preferably at most 1.1times this extension. In this manner it can also be achieved that whilebeing driven, the carriers contact each other at least nearly and thusthe distance between them is as small as possible. Preferably, thedistance between two adjacent carrier projections is larger than theextension of the carriers along the conveying channel axis, inparticular the ratio of these values can be at least 1.01. It is thuspossible to achieve a certain play so as to compensate for productiontolerances and/or wear tolerances.

In a third preferred version, the drive is realized as a worm drive andcomprises at least one rotatable drive worm by the rotational movementof which at least in some sections a force can be exerted directly onthe carrier, in particular on a drive surface of the carrier,substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channel axis. Tothis end, it is particularly preferred if the rotational axis of thedrive worm extends substantially parallel with respect to the conveyingchannel axis.

Also in this third version only one single or also a plurality of rotarydrive worms can be present. For example, a first drive worm can bearranged at a first side of the conveying channel, and a second driveworm can be arranged at a second side of the conveying channel oppositethe first side.

It is also preferred that the extension of the carriers along theconveying channel axis is substantially an integer multiple of the pitchof the drive worm. This means that the ratio of the extension of thecarriers along the conveying channel axis and the pitch of the driveworm is at most by 0.4, preferably at most by 0.2 and particularlypreferably at most by 0.1 smaller than an integer, wherein this integercan be, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. For example, said ratio might lie inthe range of 3.6 to 4, preferably 3.8 to 4, and particularly preferably3.9 to 4. Also in this manner it can be achieved that while beingdriven, the carriers contact each other at least nearly and thus thedistance between them is as small as possible. It is also preferred thatsaid ratio is at least by 0.01 smaller than the mentioned integer. It isthus possible to achieve a certain play so as to compensate forproduction tolerances and/or wear tolerances.

In case there are multiple drive chain pairs and/or drive chains and/ordrive worms, they are preferably synchronized with each other. This ispossible, for example, by means of a gear drive known per se, by meansof which the driving force can be transferred from a motor to aplurality of or all drive chains and/or drive worms. By means of such asynchronization it can in particular be guaranteed that the carrierbolts described above extend in a vertical direction at least while aforce is exerted on the carrier and that a plurality of carrier bolts,carrier projections or drive worms move at the same speed.

Preferably, the drive section has a length in the direction of theconveying channel axis which is at least twice, preferably at leastthree times the length of a carrier. It can thus be guaranteed that atany time at least one carrier is located completely in the drivesection.

At least one guiding element can be present at an inner wall of theconveying channel, and the carrier can have a corresponding counterguiding element by means of which the carrier can be guided along theguiding element. Tilting or wedging of the carrier can thus beprevented. The guiding element can be realized, e.g., as a lateralguiding plate. Preferably, at least two and more preferably exactly twoopposite lateral guiding plates are arranged at the inner wall of theconveying channel.

Alternatively, the carriers can be centered by means of the carrierbolts described above. The drive chain described above can be guidedlaterally and can thus take up lateral forces.

Particularly preferably, a force transmission between two carriersarranged adjacently in the conveying channel parallel with respect tothe conveying channel axis can be achieved by a direct contact betweenthe carriers and/or by bulk goods arranged between the carriers in theconveying channel.

This is advantageous because it is sufficient to arrange only one drivein a drive section, which makes the conveying device more cost efficientand facilitates its maintenance.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF A CONVEYING ELEMENT

A further aspect relates to a carrier for conveying bulk goods in aconveying device as described above. The carrier comprises a carriersurface and an alignment means for aligning the mean surfaceperpendicular of the carrier surface at least in some sectionssubstantially parallel with respect to the conveying channel axis.

In the meaning of the present application, a “carrier surface” of thecarrier is understood to be the surface which substantially causes thebulk goods to be conveyed in the conveying device when the carrier isused as intended.

An “alignment means” is understood to be a means for aligning thecarrier surface of the carrier in the conveying channel in such a mannerthat, when being used as intended, the carrier is suitable for conveyingbulk goods. For example, this can be achieved by a correspondingdimensioning as a cylinder, by means of struts (shanks) arranged at thecircumference of the carrier parallel with respect to the conveyingaxis, or by spaced-apart disks connected by a strut (shank).

In the meaning of the present application, the “mean surfaceperpendicular” of the carrier surface is understood to be the mean valueof the surface perpendicular on the effective carrier surface which,when being used as intended, can come in contact with bulk goods.

The alignment of the carrier surface by means of an alignment meanssubstantially parallel with respect to the conveying channel axis isadvantageous in that the carrier surface takes a desired position duringoperation and thus allows an efficient and cost-saving operation. Sincethe alignment means is arranged at the carrier itself, for example whena carrier is damaged, it is easily possible to replace said carrierbecause the carrier can be arranged loosely in the conveying channel,which facilitates maintenance.

Preferably, when the mean surface perpendicular of the carrier surfaceis aligned substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channelaxis, the carrier surface covers the mean conveying channelcross-section to an amount being smaller than 100%. Preferably, the meanconveying channel cross-section is covered in the range of 50% to 99.9%and particularly preferably of 80% to 99.9%. In particular, the coveringmight lie in the range of 85% to 99.9%, optionally in the range of 90%to 99.8%, and further optionally of 92% to 97%. In particular, thecovering is selected depending on the bulk goods to be conveyed.

In the meaning of the present application, the “mean conveying channelcross-section” is understood to be the mean value of the cross-sectionalsurfaces perpendicular to the conveying channel axis, through which bulkgoods are conveyed when being used as intended.

The advantage thereof is an efficient conveying of bulk goods along theconveying channel, leading to a cost-efficient operation.

Particularly preferably, the alignment means is configured as at least afirst surface element and a second surface element which are spaced fromeach other substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channelaxis and arranged so as to be in operational contact with each other,wherein the mean surface perpendiculars of the surface elements arearranged substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channelaxis.

The advantage thereof is a simple structural design of the carrier.Furthermore, this design has the advantages mentioned above in view ofthe alignment means.

For example, the carrier can thus be formed of two circular disks beingspaced apart from each other parallel with respect to the conveyingchannel axis and being connected to each other by means of a strut(shank) which is also arranged substantially parallel with respect tothe conveying channel axis.

The drive surface of the carrier can be arranged at one of the twosurface elements. In particular, the carrier surface can be formed by afirst side of one of the two circular disks, and the drive surface canbe formed by a second side of this disk opposite the first side.

Particularly preferably, the surfaces enclosed by the circumference ofthe first surface element and the second surface element are formedsubstantially congruently when being projected parallel with respect tothe mean surface perpendiculars.

In the meaning of the present application, the “surface enclosed by thecircumference” of the first surface element and/or the second surfaceelement is understood such that the outer envelopes of the first surfaceelement and/or the second surface element can be mapped substantiallycongruently on each other when being arranged in a conveying channel.For example, two full-surface, circular disks being arranged parallelwith respect to each other and having an identical diameter are formedsubstantially congruently with respect to surfaces arranged parallelwith respect to each other. Also a circular, full-surface disk withoutopenings is, when being arranged in a conveying pipe with circularcross-section, formed substantially congruently with respect to asurface element comprising radially arranged struts (shanks) with hollowspaces between the struts if the struts have the same radius as thecircular, full-surface disk.

Forming the first surface element and the second surface elementsubstantially congruently with respect to each other is advantageous inthat the carrier has a simple structural design which further simplifiesmaintenance and reduces the costs of the carrier.

Preferably, the first surface element of the carrier facing theconveying direction of the bulk goods lets the bulk goods go through. Inparticular, the second surface element comprises the carrier surface. Inparticular, the second surface element is arranged at the side of thecarrier facing away from the conveying direction.

In the meaning of the present application, the “conveying direction” isunderstood to be the direction in which the bulk goods are, on average,conveyed along the conveying channel in the conveying device, inparticular in a section along the conveying channel.

In the meaning of the present application, the term “lets go through”for a surface element is understood such that the bulk goods to beconveyed are allowed to go through. For example, the ability that thebulk goods go through can be achieved by arranging sufficiently largeopenings for the bulk goods in the first surface element.

The ability of the first surface element, which is arranged in a mannerspaced apart from the second surface element substantially parallel withrespect to the conveying channel axis, to let bulk goods go through isadvantageous in that the space between the surface elements can be usedfor conveying bulk goods, which increases the throughput and is thusmore efficient in view of the costs.

Particularly preferably, the carrier comprises a spacer at the sidefacing the conveying direction and/or at the side facing away from theconveying direction. In particular, the spacer is an arm arrangedsubstantially parallel with respect to the conveying channel axis.Moreover, the spacer is in particular formed at the end facing away fromthe carrier in a ball-shaped or dome-shaped manner.

In the meaning of the present application, the wording “ball-shaped ordome-shaped” is understood such that a ball or a dome is arranged at theend of the spacer facing away from the carrier. A dome is understood tobe a flattened section of a ball.

The arrangement of at least one spacer at the carrier is advantageous inthat a minimum distance for efficiently conveying bulk goods in theconveying channel can be achieved by means of structurally simple means,which reduces the maintenance efforts and makes the operationcost-saving and efficient. Arranging a ball-shaped or dome-shaped spaceris advantageous in that also in curved conveying channels the spacerfunctions reliably and the occurrence of high point loading isminimized, which reduces wear and thus the maintenance efforts.

At the side facing the conveying direction or at the side facing awayfrom the conveying direction, the carrier particularly preferablycomprises a recess which is formed such that the spacer can engage withthe recess.

In particular, the recess is funnel-shaped and moreover in particular atleast in some sections ball-shaped or at least in some sectionsparabolic.

This is advantageous in that also in curved areas of the conveyingchannel, a spacer can reliably engage with the recess, which makes theoperation more reliable and reduces wear, leading to reduced maintenanceefforts.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF A FEEDING DEVICE FOR BULK GOODS,FOR EXAMPLE FOR A CONVEYING DEVICE ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

A further aspect relates to a feeding device for bulk goods into aninlet in a conveying device comprising a conveying channel having aninner wall. In particular, the feeding device is used together with aconveying device as described above and optionally with a carrier asdescribed above. The bulk goods can be conveyed into the conveyingdevice substantially by means of gravity. In particular, the feedingdevice is arranged in a substantially horizontal section of theconveying device. The inlet covers an angular range of the inner wall ofgreater than 0° to smaller than 180° and/or smaller than 0° to greaterthan −180° relative to the gravity direction. Preferably, the angularrange is greater than 20° to smaller than 160° and/or smaller than −20°to greater than −160°. Particularly preferably, the angular range isgreater than 45° to smaller than 150° and/or smaller than −45° togreater than −150°.

In the meaning of the present application, an “angle relative to thegravity direction” is understood such that the gravity direction definesan angle of 0° and a positive angle is measured in the clockwisedirection relative to the gravity direction and a negative angle in thecounterclockwise direction.

In the meaning of the present application, a “substantially horizontalsection” is a section which is arranged substantially perpendicular withrespect to the gravity direction.

In the meaning of the present application, an “angular region coveringthe inner wall” is understood such that the inlet into the conveyingdevice covers an opening angle measured from the conveying channel axis,i.e. the center of the conveying channel. The angular range should beunderstood to be the mean angular range.

For example, the inlet is arranged at the side if the inlet is arrangedin a substantially horizontal section of the conveying device.

Arranging the inlet in the described angular range is advantageous inthat a filling height or filling level can be adjusted in the conveyingchannel depending on the requirements. The angular range can be selectedadvantageously depending on the bulk goods used.

For example, the angular range can be firmly adjusted. This isadvantageous in that the angular range can be fixed to an optimum value,e.g., for bulk goods to be conveyed, which renders the operation of theconveying device more reliable.

The angular range is preferably adjustable, in particular by means of aslide.

For example, the slide can be arranged as a rotary slide and/or as arotary sleeve at the conveying channel and/or at the feeding device.

The adjustability of the angular range is advantageous in that,depending on the requirements as to the conveying of the bulk goods aswell as also depending on the bulk goods to be conveyed, the angularrange is adjustable for adjusting the filling level in the conveyingchannel.

Particularly preferably, the conveying device comprises a redirectingportion for conveying the bulk goods to the inlet.

This is advantageous in that the bulk goods, which are stored, e.g.,upstream in a storage container, can be conveyed through the redirectingportion to the conveying channel, wherein the conveying speed orconveying rate of the bulk goods into the conveying channel can beadjusted by the redirecting portion.

In the meaning of the present application, a “redirecting portion” isunderstood to be a portion in which the bulk goods are redirected from aconveying direction substantially parallel with respect to the gravitydirection.

Particularly preferably, the redirecting portion is formed as aredirecting surface and arranged at a redirecting angle relative to thegravity direction in the range of 30° to 70°.

Preferably, the redirecting angle lies in the range of 40° to 60°,particularly preferably of 45° to 55°.

Alternatively, the redirecting angle can also be −30° to −70°,preferably −40° to −60° and particularly preferably −45° to −55°.

Arranging a redirecting surface in the described angular range isadvantageous in that the amount of supplied bulk goods can be adjusteddepending on the bulk goods used and the required flow rate.

In particular, the redirecting angle is adjustable, which advantageouslyallows the redirecting angle to be adjusted depending on the respectiverequirements.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF A METHOD FOR CONVEYING BULKGOODS BY MEANS OF A CONVEYING DEVICE ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION AND/ORAT LEAST A CONVEYING ELEMENT DESCRIBED ABOVE

An additional aspect of the present invention relates to a method forconveying bulk goods by means of a conveying device as described above.Optionally, the conveying device comprises a carrier as described above.Further optionally, the device comprises a feeding device as describedabove. The method comprises the step of conveying the bulk goods from aninlet to an outlet.

The method comprises the advantages described above.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF A METHOD FOR UPGRADING AND/ORCONVERTING OR REFITTING A CONVEYING DEVICE ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION

A further aspect relates to a method for upgrading and/or converting orrefitting a conveying device for conveying bulk goods. The methodcomprises the step of mounting at least one carrier in order to build aconveying device as described above. In particular, a carrier asdescribed above is mounted. The method further optionally comprises thestep of mounting a feeding device as described above.

This is advantageous in that already installed conveying devices can beupgraded and/or converted or refitted to become a conveying deviceaccording to the present invention, which is cost-efficient because noinstallation of a completely new conveying device is necessary.

Basic explanations, general definitions and particular features whichhave been described in a specific paragraph (e.g. with respect to theconveying device) in the present application also apply to otherparagraphs (e.g. with respect to the conveying element) in thisapplication.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be discussed inmore detail below on the basis of embodiments for a better understandingthereof, without the invention being restricted to the embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a conveying device of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the conveying device of the inventionaccording to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the drive section of the conveyingdevice of the invention according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a section of the conveying device of theinvention according to FIG. 1 and comprising the drive section;

FIG. 5 shows a section of a conveying device of the invention comprisingtwo carriers in a straight conveying pipe;

FIG. 6 shows a section of a conveying device of the invention comprisingtwo carriers in a curved conveying channel;

FIG. 7 shows a photographic view of two carriers of the invention beingoperationally connected in a conveying groove;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a carrier of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the carrier according to FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a feeding device of the inventioncomprising a conveying channel;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a part of an alternative conveyingdevice of the invention comprising carriers and bulk goods;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a conveying device comprising anS-shaped conveying pipe;

FIG. 13 a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of aconveying device of the invention comprising carrier bolts arranged at apair of drive chains;

FIG. 13 b shows a top view of a conveying device according to FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 14 a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of aconveying device of the invention comprising carrier bolts arranged attwo pairs of drive chains;

FIG. 14 b shows a top view of the conveying device according to FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15 a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of aconveying device of the invention with carrier projections arranged at adrive chain;

FIG. 15 b shows a top view of the conveying device according to FIG. 15a;

FIG. 16 a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of aconveying device of the invention with carrier projections arranged attwo drive chains;

FIG. 16 b shows a top view of the conveying device according to FIG. 16a;

FIG. 17 a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of aconveying device of the invention with a drive worm;

FIG. 17 b shows a top view of the conveying device according to FIG. 17a;

FIG. 18 a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of aconveying device of the invention with two drive worms;

FIG. 18 b shows a top view of the conveying device according to FIG. 18a;

FIG. 19 a shows a conveying device with a four bar mechanism at a firstpoint in time;

FIG. 19 b shows the conveying device according to FIG. 19 a at a secondpoint in time;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveyingdevice of the invention comprising two drive chains;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveyingdevice of the invention comprising two drive belts;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveyingdevice of the invention comprising two drive belts;

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveyingdevice of the invention, e.g., comprising two hydraulic elements;

FIG. 24 shows a view of a further embodiment of a conveying device ofthe invention comprising a gear drive in an inner bow section of theconveying channel, in particular as intermediate drive;

FIG. 25 shows a view of a further embodiment of a conveying device ofthe invention comprising a coupler mechanism;

FIG. 26 a shows a view of an embodiment of a mechanical drive;

FIG. 26 b shows a detailed view of a further embodiment of a mechanicaldrive;

FIG. 26 c shows a view of the embodiment of FIG. 26 b;

FIG. 27 a shows a view of a pipe cutout according to the prior art;

FIG. 27 b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout according to theprior art;

FIG. 28 a shows a view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as feeding openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as feedingopening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 a shows a view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as outlet openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as outletopening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 a shows a view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as outlet openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30 b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as outletopening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 a shows a view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as outlet openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as outletopening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 a shows a view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as viewing windowaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as viewingwindow according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 a shows a first view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as drive openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 b shows a second view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as drive openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 c shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as driveopening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 a shows a first view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as drive openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 b shows a second view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as drive openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 c shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as driveopening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 a shows a first view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as drive openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 b shows a second view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as drive openingaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 c shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as driveopening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 a shows a view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as insertion opening fora conveying element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as insertionopening for a conveying element according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 36 c shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, e.g., as insertionopening for a conveying element together with a conveying element to beinserted.

In the following, first FIGS. 1 to 19 are described.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a conveying device 1 of the inventionfor conveying bulk goods. The conveying channel 4 is formed as aconveying pipe 5, which can be made, e.g., of steel or plastic. Theconveying channel 4 is formed in a circumferentially closed manner sothat carriers (conveying elements) 2 arranged in the conveying channel 4can rotate endlessly.

A plurality of carriers 2, which are driven by means of the drive 6 inthe drive section 8, are arranged in the conveying device 1. Thecarriers are arranged loosely along the conveying channel axis in theconveying channel 4.

Bulk goods are conveyed by means of the feeding device 18 into theconveying channel 4.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the conveying device 1 according to FIG. 1.

In the following, equal reference numbers designate equal features inthe Figures and, therefore, are only explained again if necessary.

In the illustration according to FIG. 2, an outlet 22 is shown. Duringoperation, bulk goods are conveyed by the feeding device 18 into theconveying channel 4. The bulk goods in the conveying channel 4 areconveyed by the driven carriers 2 to the outlet 22 where the bulk goodsfall out of the conveying device 1, e.g., into a collecting containernot shown here.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the area comprising the drive section8 of the conveying device 1 according to FIG. 1. The conveying pipe 5has an inner wall 9 which acts as a guiding means along the conveyingchannel axis for the carrier 2.

In the drive section 8, drive arms 25 exert a force on the carriers 2 ina manner substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channelaxis. The drive arms 25 are moved by a drive chain 24 in the drivesection 8 substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channelaxis. The force is applied to the carrier 2 substantially in thecircumferential area of the carrier 2 facing the inner wall 9 of theconveying channel.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a part of the section of the conveyingdevice 1 according to FIG. 3.

The drive arms 25, which are driven by the drive chain 24, engage withthe conveying pipe 5 through an engagement opening 26. Since bulk goodsare conveyed by means of the drive 6 only downstream of the drivesection, sealing of the engagement opening 26 is not necessary in anycase.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a section of the conveying channel 4 which isrealized as a conveying pipe 5 and comprises two carriers 2. At the sideof the carriers 2 facing the conveying direction, the carriers 2 havearms 17 serving as spacers. At the side facing away from the conveyingdirection, the carriers 2 have recesses 16 with which an adjacentlyarranged carrier 2 can optionally engage with the arm 17.

The carriers 2 comprise struts (shanks) 23 which, in the present case,are arranged substantially parallel with respect to the conveyingchannel axis 7.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a section of a conveying device having acurved conveying channel with carriers 2 arranged therein.

FIG. 7 photographically shows a section of a conveying device 1 with aconveying channel 4 which is realized as a conveying groove and in whichtwo carriers 2 with arm 17 and recess 16 are shown in a curved sectionof the conveying channel.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carrier 2 of the invention.

The carrier 2 according to FIG. 8 comprises an arm 17 which, when beingused as intended, is arranged in a conveying channel at the side facingthe conveying direction.

The carrier 2 comprises a first surface element 13 which lets bulk goodsgo through. The carrier 2 further comprises a second surface element 14which comprises the carrier surface not shown here. The first surfaceelement 13 and the second surface element 14 are arranged in a mannerspaced apart from each other by means of a strut (shank) 23 in order tocause an operational connection between the two surface elements.

Moreover, at the side of the second surface element 14 facing away fromthe conveying direction, the carrier 2 has a recess 16 with which an arm17 of an adjacently arranged carrier can engage.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the carrier 2 of the invention according toFIG. 8.

The carrier 2 comprises a spacer 15 which is formed as an arm 17. Thearm 17 is ball-shaped at the end facing away from the carrier 2. At theside facing away from the conveying direction, the carrier 2 has arecess 16 which is ball-shaped in some sections so that the ball-shapedspacer 15 can engage with the complementary recess 16 of a furthercarrier.

The first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 areoperatively connected to each other by means of the strut (shank) 23,wherein the first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14act as alignment means 11. The first surface element 13 lets bulk goodsgo through.

The second surface element 14 comprises at a first side the carriersurface 10 for conveying the bulk goods along the conveying channel andat a second side opposite the first side it comprises a drive surface27. The drive surface 27 can be elastic and made in particular ofplastic or rubber. Alternatively, the drive surface 27 can also be madeof steel. The drive can exert a force on this drive surface 27 fordriving the carrier 2.

The surfaces enclosed by the circumferences of the first surface element13 and the second surface element 14 are substantially congruent withrespect to each other in case of a projection substantially parallelwith respect to the mean surface perpendicular 12, which leads to thedesired alignment of the carrier 2 in the conveying channel.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a feeding device 18 of the invention forfeeding bulk goods 3 into a conveying pipe 5 of the conveying device.

The conveying pipe 5 has an inlet 19 covering an angular range a ofabout 90°. By means of a slide 20, which is realized as a rotary slide,the angular range a can be adjusted in accordance with the requirements.

The feeding device 18 has a redirecting area 21 which is arranged with aredirecting angle u of about 50° relative to the gravity direction.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a section of an alternativeconveying device of the invention. For reasons of clarity, the conveyingpipe is not shown here.

A plurality of carriers 2 are arranged in the conveying pipe, wherein inthe present case three carriers 2 are visible. By means of a drive chain24 (only sections thereof are shown) and driving arms 25 arrangedthereon, a force can be exerted on the carriers 2 substantially parallelwith respect to the conveying channel axis. The carriers 2 do not havespacers. Bulk goods 3 are arranged between the carriers 2, leading tothe spacing of the carriers 2 desired in the present case.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic side view of a conveying device 1 with aconveying pipe 5. The conveying pipe 5 is S-shaped. In a lower region,an inlet container 23 is arranged for feeding bulk goods conveyed bymeans of carriers (not shown) to the outlet container 24. The inlet andthe outlet are not shown here.

The conveying device 1 according to FIGS. 13 a and 13 b comprises achain drive 6 with a pair of drive chains formed of a lower drive chain28 a and an upper drive chain 28 b. Four carrier bolts 29 are attachedto these drive chains 28 a, 28 b, wherein the respective lower ends ofthe carrier bolts 29 are attached to the lower drive chain 28 a and theupper ends of the carrier bolts 29 are attached to the upper drive chain28 b. Hence, the carrier bolts 29 extend in a vertical direction. Thetwo drive chains 28 a, 28 b are driven by means of a drive shaft 30 andtwo sprocket wheels 31 attached thereto. At the opposite end, the drivechains 28 a, 28 b are redirected by means of a redirecting axis 32. Alsomore or less than four carrier bolts 29 being attached to the drivechains 28 a, 28 b are conceivable.

By rotating the drive shaft 30, the carrier bolts 29 are moved along theconveying channel axis 7. Hence, the carrier bolts 29 come in contactwith the drive surfaces 27 of the carriers 2 and thus drive them.

The distance between two adjacent carrier bolts 29 is approx. 1.02 timesthe extension of the carriers 2 along the conveying channel axis 7 andthus in the meaning of the above definition substantially identical tothis extension. It can thus be achieved that the carriers 2 almostcontact each other while being driven. However, contact is prevented inorder to prevent undesired collisions of adjacent carriers 2. Moreover,the drive section along the conveying channel axis 7 is twice as long asthe carriers 2. Hence, at any point in time at least one carrier 2 iscompletely in the drive section.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b comprises two chain drives 6and 6′ with drive chain pairs 28 a, 28 b and 28 a′, 28 b′, which eachhave four respective carrier bolts 29 and 29′. The two drive chain pairs28 a, 28 b and 28 a′, 28 b′ are arranged at opposite sides of theconveying channel 4. To allow a synchronous movement and a verticalalignment of the carrier bolts 29, 29′, the two drive shafts 30, 30′ canbe driven by a common motor via a gear drive not shown here.

The chain drive 6 of the embodiment according to FIGS. 15 a and 15 bcomprises a drive chain 33 which is driven by a drive shaft 30 andredirected by a redirecting axis 32. Four carrier projections 34, bymeans of which the carriers 2 can be driven, are screwed to the drivechain 33. The drive chain 33 is arranged laterally of the conveyingchannel 4.

The distance between two adjacent carrier projections 34 is approx. 1.02times the extension of the carriers 2 along the conveying channel axis 7and thus in the meaning of the above definition substantially identicalto this extension. It can thus be achieved that the carriers 2 almostcontact each other while being driven. Moreover, also in this examplethe drive section is twice as long as the carriers 2 along the conveyingchannel axis 7. Hence, at any point in time at least one carrier 2 iscompletely in the drive section.

In contrast to FIGS. 15 a and 15 b, the conveying device 1 according toFIGS. 16 a and 16 b comprises two opposite drive chains 33, 33′ withrespective drive shafts 30 and 30′ and respective redirecting axes 32and 32′ as well as respective carrier projections 34 and 34′. Also inthis embodiment, the two drive shafts 30 and 30′ can be synchronized bymeans of a gear drive not shown here.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 a and 17 b, the drive is realized asa worm drive 6 with a rotary drive worm 35 whose rotational axis Dextends parallel with respect to the conveying channel axis 7. In thisembodiment, the carriers 2 are driven by rotating the drive worm 35about its rotational axis D.

The extension of the carriers 2 along the conveying channel axis 7 isabout 3.9 times the pitch G of the drive worm 35. It can thus beachieved that the carriers 2 almost contact each other while beingdriven.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 a and 18 b shows two drive worms 35,35′ with respective rotational axes D, D′ extending parallel withrespect to the conveying channel axis 7. Also here, the two drive worms35, 35′ can be synchronized by a gear drive not shown here.

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b show a drive 4 which is realized as a four barmechanism. A first end of a first lever 36 is attached to a first driveshaft 37, while a second end of the first lever 36 is rotationallyconnected to a first end of a second lever 39 via a joint 38. The secondlever 39 has a slot 40 with which a pin 41 engages so that it becomespossible to guide the second lever 39. Furthermore, a first end of athird lever 42 is attached to a second drive shaft 43, while a secondend of the third lever 42 is rotationally connected to a first end of afourth lever 45 via a joint 44. The fourth lever 45 has a slot 46 withwhich a pin 47 engages so that it becomes possible to guide the fourthlever 45. The first drive shaft 37 and the second drive shaft 43 aredriven by a common drive belt 48 so that a synchronization of the driveshafts 37, 43 is achieved.

FIGS. 19 a and 19 b show the drive 6 at two different points in time.The drive 6 is configured and arranged such that in some sections aforce can be exerted on carriers 2 parallel with respect to theconveying channel axis 7 by means of a second end 49 of the second lever39 and a second end 50 of the fourth lever 45 when the drive 6 moves bymovement of the drive belt 48. Moreover, the drive 6 is configured andarranged such that the second end 49 of the second lever 39 exerts aforce on a first carrier 2 until the second end 50 of the fourth lever45 starts to exert a force on a second carrier 2 and vice versa. In thisembodiment, the drive section has the length of a carrier 2.

Alternatively to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 a and 19 b, themovement of levers can also be controlled by at least one connectingmember, preferably at least two connecting members, which either guidesthe levers with perpendicularly movable carrier bolts directly acrossthe carriers or is indirectly placed in the drive.

The present invention thus comprises at first, i.a., the followingaspects:

1. A conveying device (1) comprising a conveying channel (4), inparticular a conveying pipe (5), at least one carrier (2) arranged inthe conveying channel (4), in particular at least two carriers (2), andat least one drive (6) for driving the at least one carrier (2) forconveying bulk goods (3) along a conveying channel axis (7),characterized in that the at least one carrier is loosely arranged inthe conveying channel (4) at least in some sections along the conveyingchannel axis (7).

2. The conveying device (1) according to aspect 1, characterized in thatthe conveying channel (4) is formed as a guide means along the conveyingchannel axis (7) for the carrier (2).

3. The conveying device (1) according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized inthat the drive (6) is configured such that at least in some sections aforce can be exerted by the drive (6) directly on the carrier (2)substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channel axis (7).

4. The conveying device (1) according to any of aspects 1 to 3,characterized in that the drive (6) reaches into the conveying channel(4) at least in a drive section (8) for exerting a force substantiallyparallel with respect to the conveying channel axis (7) on a carrier (2)arranged in the drive section (8).

5. The conveying device (I) according to any of aspects 1 to 4,characterized in that the drive (6) can be selected or is selected fromthe list of the following kinds of drives or any combinations thereof:chain drive, belt drive, coupler mechanism, gear drive, worm drive,magnet drive, servo drives, direct drives.

6. The conveying device (1) according to any of aspects 3 to 5,characterized in that the drive (6) comprises at least one carrier bolt(29, 29′) by means of which a force can be exerted at least in somesections directly on the carrier (2) substantially parallel with respectto the conveying channel axis (7).

7. The conveying device (1) according to aspect 6, characterized in thatthe drive is configured as a chain drive (6) and comprises at least onedrive chain pair (28 a, 28 b; 28 a′, 28 b′), wherein each of twoopposite ends of the carrier bolt (29, 29′) is attached to a respectivedrive chain (28 a, 28 b; 28 a′, 28 b′) of the drive chain pair (28 a, 28b; 28 a′, 28 b′).

8. The conveying device (1) according to any of aspects 3 to 7,characterized in that the drive is configured as a chain drive (6) andcomprises at least one drive chain (33, 33′) having at least one carrierprojection (34, 34′) by means of which a force can be exerted at leastin some sections directly on the carrier (2) substantially parallel withrespect to the conveying channel axis (7).

9. The conveying device (1) according to any of aspects 3 to 8,characterized in that the drive is configured as a worm drive (6) andcomprises at least one rotary drive worm (35, 35′) by the rotationalmovement of which a force can be exerted at least in some sectionsdirectly on the carrier (2) substantially parallel with respect to theconveying channel axis (7).

10. The conveying device (1) according to any of the preceding aspects,characterized in that a force transmission between two carriers (2)adjacently arranged in the conveying channel (4) parallel with respectto the conveying channel axis (7) can be achieved by a direct contactbetween the carriers (2) and/or by bulk goods arranged between thecarriers (2) in the conveying channel.

11. A carrier (2) for conveying bulk goods (3) in a conveying device (1)according to any of the preceding aspects, comprising a carrier surface(10), characterized in that the carrier (2) comprises an alignment means(11) for aligning the mean surface perpendicular (12) of the carriersurface (10) at least in some sections substantially parallel withrespect to the conveying channel axis (7).

12. The carrier (2) according to aspect 11, characterized in that whenaligning the mean surface perpendicular (12) of the carrier surface (10)substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channel axis (7),the carrier surface (10) covers the mean conveying channel cross-sectionto an extent of less than 100%, preferably in the range of 50% to 99.9%and particularly preferably of 80% to 99.9%.

13. The carrier (2) according to aspect 11 or 12, characterized in thatthe alignment means (11) is configured at least as a first surfaceelement (13) and a second surface element (14) which are spaced fromeach other substantially parallel with respect to the conveying channelaxis (7) and which are arranged so as to be operatively connected toeach other, wherein the mean surface perpendiculars (12) of the surfaceelements are arranged substantially parallel with respect to theconveying channel axis (7).

14. The carrier (2) according to aspect 13, characterized in that thefirst surface element (13) facing the conveying direction of the bulkgoods (3) lets the bulk goods (3) go through, wherein in particular thesecond surface element (14) comprises the carrier surface (10).

15. The carrier (2) according to any of aspects 11 to 14, characterizedin that at the side facing and/or facing away from the conveyingdirection, the carrier (2) comprises a spacer (15), in particular an arm(17) arranged substantially parallel with respect to the conveyingchannel axis (7), which is in particular ball-shaped or dome-shaped atthe end facing away from the carrier (2).

16. The carrier (2) according to aspect 15, characterized in that at theside facing or facing away from the conveying direction, the carrier (2)comprises a recess (16) which is formed such that the spacer (15) canengage with the recess (16), wherein the recess (16) is in particularfunnel-shaped and wherein the recess (16) is preferably at least insections ball-shaped and/or at least in sections parabolic.

17. A method for conveying bulk goods (3) by using a conveying device(1) according to any of aspects 1 to 10, optionally with a carrier (2)according to any of aspects 11 to 16, further optionally with a feedingdevice (18), comprising the step of conveying the bulk goods (3) from aninlet (19) to an outlet (22).

18. A method for upgrading and/or converting or refitting a conveyingdevice (1) for conveying bulk goods (3), comprising the step of mountingat least one carrier (2), in particular a carrier (2) according to anyof aspects 11 to 16, for building a conveying device (1) according toany of aspects 1 to 10, and optionally the step of mounting a feedingdevice (18).

For example also on the basis of the above basic explanations, generaldefinitions and features as well as the explanations of the drawings,the present invention starts out from the basic idea that bulk goods areconveyed in a conveying channel, e.g. a conveying pipe, by conveyingelements which are loosely arranged in the conveying channel and whichare pushed or pressed in the conveying channel in the conveyingdirection and thus move the bulk goods through the conveying channel.The conveying elements are separate individual bodies or (bulk goods)carriers which, e.g., during the conveying of bulk goods in theconveying channel are (only) non-positively (in a form-fit orforce-locked manner) connected to each other. For example, in thesections of the conveying channel in which there is no drive means, aconveying element moving in the conveying channel in the conveyingdirection can push or press a conveying element located downstreamthereof through the conveying channel.

The basic concept in which the pressure of a conveying element istransferred to the conveying element being next in the conveyingdirection is characterized in view of known tube or pipe chain conveyorsby its improved energy efficiency, increased conveying speed andperformance, better hygiene and a smoother conveying of the bulk goods.In this connection, the increased energy efficiency is achieved, e.g.,by a very low-friction transport as compared to tube or pipe chainconveyors. Moreover, it is possible that only one drive means isnecessary, which is provided in particular in a first section of theconveying channel and thus does not come in contact with the bulk goodswhich are fed into the conveying channel only in a second sectionthereof. In accordance with the concept of the invention, it isadditionally possible to provide a method and a conveying device whichcan be used for conveying different bulk goods such as rice, flour,grains, corn and wheat. For example, so far tube or pipe chain conveyorshave been used for rice, bucket conveyors for flour, and elevatorconveyors for grains, but they are excluded at least for transportingrice because of the explosion protection problems, the risk of accidentsdue to crushing and shearing points and due to lack of space and forcost reasons. On the other hand, the tube or pipe chain conveyors couldmeet the requirements for rice applications to some extent, but a tubeor pipe chain conveyor is excluded for flour for hygiene reasons and forgrains for reasons of the conveying performance. By means of the presentinvention, all these bulk goods can be conveyed easily and withoutproblems, hygienically and highly efficiently.

The invention achieves the above-mentioned objects by means of thefeatures of the claims.

The present invention relates to a conveying device and a method forconveying bulk goods by means of a conveying device comprising aconveying channel and at least two conveying elements being looselyarranged in the conveying channel. In a first section of the conveyingchannel, the conveying elements are mechanically driven in the conveyingdirection, i.e. via direct (touching) contact with a drive means.

In accordance with an embodiment, during the drive operation, arespective conveying element is in direct contact with at least onedrive element via an opening in the first section of the conveyingchannel. In particular, a drive means is located substantially outsidethe conveying channel (or the conveying pipe, wherein the conveying pipeis closed across its cross-section in at least one section after feedingof the bulk goods) which, by means of its at least one drive element,can exert a direct force on the conveying elements through the openingin the first section of the conveying channel and thus pushes/pressesthe conveying elements in the conveying direction through the firstsection of the conveying channel.

For example, at least one conveying element as described above can havetwo disks and a shank which extends transversely thereto, connects thedisks centrally and is aligned parallel with respect to the conveyingdirection at least in the first section of the conveying channel. Thedistance between the disks of the conveying element in the conveyingdirection can be larger (e.g., 1 mm to 5 mm larger, 2 mm to 3 mm larger,or in particular about 2 mm larger) than half the length of theconveying element in the conveying direction.

In accordance with an embodiment, the conveying elements are driven inthe first section of the conveying channel by direct contact with one ofthe disks and/or both disks and/or the shank. In particular, while beingdriven, a drive element engages with the rear disk in the conveyingdirection (scraper disk comprising the carrier surface described above)of the conveying element and thus pushes the conveying element throughthe first section of the conveying channel.

In accordance with an embodiment, the conveying elements are driven inthe transition area between the first and the second section of theconveying channel by direct contact with the rear disk in the conveyingdirection (scraper disk) of the conveying element. In this manner, theconveying element is pushed by the more stable scraper disk through thefirst section of the conveying channel. It can thus be avoided that theentire load of downstream conveying elements and bulk goods in thesecond and third sections of the conveying channel lies on the frontdisk (guide disk) that is weakened in particular by recesses.

In accordance with an embodiment, at least two drive elements areprovided per length of a conveying element in the conveying directionvia the opening in the first section of the conveying channel. Forexample, the drive means comprises the at least two drive elements,wherein the distance between the drive elements in the conveyingdirection corresponds to half the length of a conveying element.

Since not only one but two drive elements are provided for the drive ofthe conveying element per length of a conveying element, moreover anincorrect engagement of the drive elements and thus damage to theconveying element can be avoided. In particular, the distance betweentwo drive elements is half the length of a conveying element in theconveying direction, while the distance between the scraper disk and thefront disk (guide disk, which has, e.g., multiple recesses, as describedabove) of the conveying element is larger than half the length of theconveying element.

If the distance between two drive elements corresponds to the length ofa conveying element, it is possible that a drive element engagesincorrectly into the conveying element and thus, e.g., moves theconveying element at its conveying disk and just not at its scraper diskin the conveying channel in the conveying direction. Such an incorrectengagement can occur in particular if the length of thecircumferentially closed guide channel is larger than the sum of thelengths of the individual conveying elements in the conveying channel.However, it can be advantageous that the sum of the lengths of theconveying elements is smaller than the length of the conveying channelfor conveying, e.g., larger amounts of bulk goods. If, in this case, theconveying element came up to a downstream conveying element in atransition area between the first and the second section of theconveying pipe, the entire load of upstream conveying elements and bulkgoods would be on the (weaker) guide disk so that the latter might bedamaged or even destroyed.

If the distance between two drive elements corresponds to half thelength of a conveying element, wherein the distance between scraper diskand guide disk of a conveying element is slightly larger than half thelength of the conveying element, in the above case the drive elementalso pushes the guide disk in the first section of the conveying channelforward in the conveying direction. However, in the moment in which itencounters a downstream conveying element in a transition area betweenthe first section and the second section, the conveying element slowsdown temporarily and the load changes from the drive element at theguide disk to the subsequent drive element which in this moment engageswith the (stronger) scraper disk.

Thus, when a single conveying element enters, incorrect engagement canbe avoided in the first section of the conveying channel (as compared tothe non-positive connection between the conveying elements existing inthe second and third sections of the conveying channel).

In accordance with an embodiment, the drive elements are the (carrier)bolts described above and/or the carrier projections and/or hydraulicelements and/or pneumatic elements described above. Two hydraulicelements and/or pneumatic elements arranged one behind the other in theconveying direction can be connected in such a manner that theyalternatingly exert a force on the conveying element and/orsimultaneously exert a force on the conveying element at differentpoints (e.g. at the guide disk and at the scraper disk).

According to the invention, in a second section of the conveyingchannel, which preferably adjoins the first section of the conveyingchannel, bulk goods are fed into the conveying channel through a feedingopening, e.g. by a feeding device. By movement of the conveyingelements, the bulk goods are then conveyed along the conveying directionin a third section of the conveying channel, wherein in this thirdsection of the conveying channel, and in particular also in the secondsection of the conveying channel, the first conveying element is pressedor pushed by the second conveying element and/or the bulk goods throughthe conveying channel in the conveying direction. The bulk goods areconveyed, e.g., from a feeding opening for feeding the bulk goods intothe conveying channel in the second section up to an outlet in theconveying channel at the end of the third section, wherein the conveyingelements are pushed through the conveying channel by means of the drivein the first section and the non-positive connection between theconveying elements in the second and third sections. The non-positiveconnection is realized between the respective ends of the conveyingelements in the conveying direction and, if applicable, via the fed bulkgoods between these ends, so that conveying elements and bulk goods arepressed through the conveying channel.

The invention moreover relates to the conveying device with a conveyingchannel and at least two conveying elements which has already beendescribed above i.a. in connection with the method and comprises themechanical drive means for driving the conveying elements in theconveying direction in a first section of the conveying channel, whereinthe conveying elements are loosely arranged in the conveying channel,and a feeding opening for feeding bulk goods into the conveying channelin a second section of the conveying channel. The conveying device isconfigured for carrying out the method described above, in particular insuch a manner that in a third section of the conveying channel the firstconveying element is pressed by the second conveying element and/or thebulk goods through the conveying channel in the conveying direction.

In accordance with an embodiment, the conveying channel has an openingin its second section through which the bulk goods can be fed into theconveying channel by a feeding device. This feeding opening is notrectangular (in particular when seen in a longitudinal section of theconveying channel). For example, the width of the feeding opening (orthe length of the bow edge of the opening in the conveying pipe) can besmaller at the rearmost point of the feeding opening in the conveyingdirection than at any other point of the feeding opening.

Such a design of the feeding opening is advantageous in that abuttingedges in pipe cutouts can be avoided. For example, openings in theconveying channel can be configured such that a shearing effect iscaused in the openings when the conveying elements pass, so that thebulk goods are not destroyed and the conveying elements are not damaged.In particular if there are long cutout edges which are providedperpendicular with respect to the conveying direction, the conveyingelements, mainly the disks, are subject to considerable wear, and thebulk goods to be conveyed readily fracture.

In accordance with an embodiment, the conveying channel has an openingfor the drive, e.g., in the first section of the conveying channeland/or an outlet opening for removing the bulk goods, e.g., in or at theend of the third section of the conveying channel and/or one or moreviewing openings (viewing windows) for inspections in one or moresections of the conveying channel and/or an insertion opening for theconveying elements upstream of and/or in the first section of theconveying channel or between the third and the first section of theconveying channel. For such openings the same principles apply as forthe feeding opening described above, so that also in these openingsabutting edges of pipe cutouts can be avoided as much as possible. Withthe described openings, which in particular do not have a rectangularshape, wear of the conveying elements is reduced: In rectangular cutoutsthere is a point load at the edges, while in the presently described andpreferred embodiments, the load moves with the linear movement of theconveying element to different positions of the conveying element.

In accordance with an embodiment, the insertion opening for theconveying elements is configured, e.g., in accordance with the “pokayoke” principle in such a manner that only specific conveying elementscan be inserted into the conveying channel and/or conveying elements canonly be inserted in correct positional arrangement into the conveyingchannel. It can thus be prevented that, e.g., conveying elements whichhave an incorrect size or overall length or in which the distancebetween scraper disk and guide disk is not suitable for the drive areinserted into the conveying device and can cause malfunctions therein,in particular, e.g., if conveying elements are placed in the conveyingchannel contrary to the conveying direction. For example, the shape ofthe insertion opening in the conveying pipe wall can substantiallycorrespond to the shape of the conveying element being projected in acorrectly positioned manner onto the conveying pipe wall and/or can beonly slightly larger for practical aspects in order to allow smoothinsertion of the conveying element.

In accordance with an embodiment, at least one of the conveying elementsis provided with a label for automatic identification and/orlocalization, and the conveying device comprises a reader for readingout the label. In particular, the label can be a code drawn/printed onthe conveying element (e.g. a characterization providing a specificinformation) and/or an RFID transponder with a code which can be readout by the reader, e.g., at one or more places in/at the conveyingchannel, e.g., through a viewing window or another opening. In thismanner, e.g., starting or stopping operations can be controlled, e.g.,the conveying device can be configured such that it starts (only) when a(specific) conveying element has been identified at a specific place,and/or stops as soon as a (specific) conveying element has been moved toa specific place. For example, a well-defined number of cycles can thusbe predefined in the conveying device.

In accordance with an embodiment, the conveying device, in particularthe conveying channel is lockable. This can be advantageous, e.g., if itshould be guaranteed in a specific manner that no contamination withother bulk goods, undesired contaminations or even poisons can enter theconveying device. For example, it can be provided for that the conveyingdevice or the conveying channel is sealed, e.g., leaded at all sectionshaving an opening in the channel wall (or the conveying pipe wall) tothe means connected thereto. This can apply, e.g., to a drive meanswhich engages with the conveying channel through a respective opening inthe first section thereof, a feeding device by means of which the bulkgoods should be fed through the feeding opening in the second section ofthe conveying channel following the first section, and an outlet devicefor the bulk goods which is arranged at the conveying channel over anoutlet opening at the end of the third section following the secondsection or in a fourth section following the third section of theconveying channel. In particular, the conveying device can be configuredsuch that the bulk goods are permanently in a locked system from afeeding device (with possibly upstream, sealingly connected, furtherdevices) up to the outlet device and possibly further devices connectedthereto in a sealed manner.

In the following, further features and advantages of the invention willbe discussed in more detail for a better comprehension on the basis ofembodiments in connection with FIGS. 20 to 36.

Similar to the embodiments in FIGS. 13 to 16, FIGS. 20 to 22 showperspective views of further embodiments with specific drive means.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show respective both-sided drive means 201, 211 with arespective drive chain 202, 212 in which multiple drive elements 203,213 are provided which move the conveying elements 204, 214 in theconveying direction (see arrow) through the conveying channel. Incontrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, in the embodimentaccording to FIGS. 20 and 21 the distance between two drive elements203, 213 is smaller than the length of a conveying element 204, 214,e.g., about one third or about one fourth of the length of a conveyingelement 204, 214. In particular, the distance between two drive elements203, 213 can be adapted to the distance between the scraper disk 204 a,214 a and the guide disk 204 b, 214 b of the conveying element 204, 214as well as to the overall length of the conveying element 204, 214 suchthat in case of a non-positive connection between the conveying element204, 214 and a conveying element lying downstream thereof, the conveyingelement 204, 214 is driven in the conveying direction only by thescraper disk 204 a, 214 a.

Similar to the embodiments in FIGS. 20 and 21, FIG. 22 shows anembodiment of a drive means 221 with two drive belts 222 at which driveelements 223 are arranged whose distance is smaller than the length of aconveying element 224 in the conveying direction (see arrow). Inparticular, the distance of the drive elements 223 is in this case halfthe distance between the scraper disk 224 a and the guide disk 224 b ofthe conveying element 224. As already explained above, it is thuspossible to prevent the entire load lying on the guide disk 224 b of theconveying element 224 in case of an incorrect engagement of the drive,as soon as the conveying element comes up to a downstream conveyingelement.

According to an embodiment of the invention (e.g. also alternatively oralso additionally to the drive means described above in general),pneumatic and/or hydraulic drives can be provided.

FIG. 23 shows a drive means comprising two drive elements which areconfigured as pneumatic, hydraulic or engine-driven cylinders. By meansof a stroke movement, the cylinders push the conveying element forwards,e.g., at the disk element. At the coupling point of the forceintroduction point between drive and disk element, e.g., a latch can beprovided so that the return stroke can be made without contact with theconveying element in the return direction. In particular two (or four orsix, etc.) drive elements of this kind are advantageous, so that onedrive element is in the load stroke while the other drive elementreturns in the idle stroke.

FIG. 24 shows a gear drive 241 whose radius substantially corresponds tothat of an inner bow section 242 a of the conveying pipe 242. Thus, theconveying elements 243 can be pushed in the bow section through theconveying pipe 242. In accordance with an embodiment, a gear drive ofthis kind can be provided, e.g., as intermediate drive in the conveyingdevice. In this case, the distance in the conveying direction betweentwo adjacent teeth 244 of the gear drive can correspond to approx. thelength of the conveying element 243.

FIG. 25 shows a view of a coupler mechanism, in particular a four-unitcoupler mechanism in which a coupling point makes a straight-lined drivemovement over a specific path, by means of which the mechanism can drivethe conveying elements.

FIG. 26 a shows a mechanical drive means 261 comprising a drive chain262 and drive elements (e.g. bolts) 263, which are guided by the drivechain 262 via a gear 264 through a drive opening 265 in a first section265 of the conveying pipe. In FIG. 26 a, one of the bolts 263 does notengage with the conveying element 266 at its scraping disk 267 becauseof an incorrect engagement but engages with its guide disk 268 and thuspushes the conveying element 266 through the first section 265 of theconveying pipe through direct force application to the guide disk 268.However, as soon as the conveying element 266 comes up to a downstreamconveying element, the entire load of the upstream conveying elementsand the bulk goods to be conveyed is on the guide disk 268 of theconveying element 266 so that the latter might be damaged or evendestroyed.

For this reason, according to an embodiment of the invention additionaldrive elements (e.g. bolts) are provided in the drive means. In FIGS. 26b and 26 c, the conveying element 266 is also pushed at its guide disk268 by a bolt 263 in the conveying direction (see arrow). However, theconveying element 266 is only pushed by the bolt 263 until it comes upto a downstream conveying element 269 in a transition region UB from thefirst section 265 of the conveying pipe to a second section of theconveying pipe. Since in this embodiment the distance between scraperdisk 267 and guide disk 268 of the conveying element 266 is slightlylarger than the distance between two adjacent bolts 263 in the conveyingdirection, the conveying element 266 (and all subsequent conveyingelements) slows down temporarily in the moment in which it comes up tothe downstream conveying element, and the bolt 263 a directly behind thepresently power-transmitting bolt 263 engages with the scraper disk 267.In this moment the load thus changes from the weaker guide disk 268 tothe more stable scraper disk 267 of the conveying element 266 and damageof the conveying element 266 can be prevented.

FIGS. 27 a and 27 b show an opening in a conveying pipe according to theprior art. Normally, pipe cutouts of this kind have a rectangular shape,but they are disadvantageous in that this shape leads to long cutoutedges 271 extending perpendicularly with respect to the conveyingdirection (see arrow). Such abutting edges, however, can cause damage tothe conveying elements, increased wear of the conveying disks andincreased fracture of the bulk goods to be conveyed.

FIGS. 28 to 36 show embodiments of openings or pipe cutouts for theconveying channel of a conveying device of the invention.

FIG. 28 a and FIG. 28 b show, e.g., a feeding opening through which bulkgoods can be fed into the conveying pipe. In particular, in thisembodiment no cutout edge extends perpendicularly to the conveyingdirection (see arrow). Moreover, it can be provided that the feedingopening is formed of two pipe cutouts 283 a and 283 b being mirrored ina top view at the longitudinal axis 282 of the conveying pipe 281.

FIG. 29 a and FIG. 29 b show, e.g., an outlet opening through which thebulk goods are removed from the conveying device. Here, too, inparticular none of the cutout edges extends perpendicularly to theconveying direction (see arrow). In the shown embodiment, the outletopening consists of two pipe cutouts 293 a and 293 b mirrored in a topview at the longitudinal axis 292 of the conveying pipe 291 and a pipecutout 294 being symmetrical to this longitudinal axis. The pipe cutouts293 a and 293 b have bent abutting edges at the point at which aconveying element moving in the conveying direction encounters theoutlet opening in order to protect the conveying element from damage.

In a top view, the pipe cutout 294 can have the geometrical shape of akite and is in particular configured such that, e.g., also bulk goodslocated in the conveying pipe at the link between the pipe cutouts 293 aand 293 b are ejected from the outlet opening in order to avoid possiblelater mixing. As shown in FIGS. 30 a and 30 b, a kite of this kind canalso serve alone as outlet opening 301, wherein in this case the morepointed end 302 of the kite 301 is passed by a conveying element movingin the conveying pipe in the conveying direction downstream of theopposite more obtuse end 303 (see arrow). In a particular embodiment,the kite can be rhombic.

In accordance with an embodiment, the outlet opening can havesubstantially the shape of an (elongate) drop, as shown, e.g., in FIGS.31 a and 31 b. Here, too, in particular none of the cutout edges extendsperpendicularly to the conveying direction (see arrow).

FIG. 32 a and FIG. 32 b show, e.g., a viewing window through which theconveying operation can be monitored. The width of the pipe cutout shownin the top view is smaller at the rearmost point of the opening in theconveying direction (see arrow) than at any other point of the pipecutout. In particular, the pipe cutout can be substantially arrow-shapedand point in the conveying direction.

FIGS. 33 a to 34 c show, e.g., pipe cutouts as drive openings, whereinthe pipe cutouts are arrowhead-shaped in a top view (see FIG. 33 b) attheir front areas 331, 341 and rear areas 332, 342 in the conveyingdirection (see arrow). In contrast to FIG. 33 with a first pipe cutout333 and a second pipe cutout 334 being opposite to the first pipe cutout333 in a side view (see FIG. 33 a), the drive opening of FIG. 34comprises only one pipe cutout 343. Two-sided pipe cutouts, as shown inFIG. 33, can be used in particular in the two-sided mechanical drivesdescribed above.

FIGS. 35 a to 35 c show pipe cutouts which can also serve as driveopenings. In contrast to the embodiments of FIGS. 33 and 34, the pipecutouts are not arrowhead-shaped in both areas 351 and 352 but only inthe rear area 352 in the conveying direction. The front area 351 in theconveying direction of the pipe cutout can in this case be providedperpendicularly to the conveying direction.

FIG. 36 a and FIG. 36 b show, e.g., pipe cutouts as insertion openingfor a conveying element. The insertion opening 361 for the conveyingelements is configured, e.g., in accordance with the “poka yoke”principle in such a manner that only specific conveying elements 362 canbe inserted into the conveying pipe 363, as also shown, e.g., in FIG. 36c. In this manner it can be prevented that, e.g., conveying elements areinserted with an incorrect distance between scraper disk 362 a and guidedisk 362 b into the conveying device and can lead therein tomalfunctions in particular when engaging with the drive means. Forexample, the shape of the insertion opening 361 in the conveying pipewall can correspond substantially to the shape of the conveying element363 projected onto the conveying pipe wall.

The present invention therefore provides a method and a conveying deviceby means of which the conveying performance can be increased while atthe same time energy can be saved. Moreover, by means of the presentconcept, conveying heights of about 60 m can be reached, so that theconveying device as a whole needs a relatively small base surface whilethe conveying performance remains unchanged because a more effectiveusage is possible in all dimensions of the room, and moreover theconveying device can be configured individually. Since the bulk goodsare conveyed in the conveying pipe by means of separate individualbodies (conveying elements, carriers) which push or press the bulk goodsthrough the conveying pipe, there is only a slight relative movement ofthe bulk goods, which reduces segregation and inner friction. Moreover,the structure, assembly and maintenance of the conveying device issimple (such as the use of individual conveying elements) and it canmoreover be cleaned easily because residues cannot collect in theconveying pipe and bulk goods cannot be carried off. Moreover, a driveis only necessary in a specific section of the conveying pipe sothat—with the drive and the bulk goods feeding device being spatiallyseparated—the drive does not come in contact with the bulk goods (highsanitation).

1. A method for conveying bulk goods by means of a conveying devicecomprising a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements (266,269) loosely arranged in the conveying channel, the method comprisingthe following steps: mechanically driving the conveying elements (266,269) in the conveying direction in a first section of the conveyingchannel, feeding bulk goods into the conveying channel in a secondsection of the conveying channel, conveying the bulk goods by moving theconveying elements (266, 269) along the conveying direction in a thirdsection of the conveying channel, wherein in the third section of theconveying channel, the first conveying element (269) is pressed by thesecond conveying element (266) and/or the bulk goods through theconveying channel in the conveying direction.
 2. The method according toclaim 1, wherein during mechanical driving, a conveying element (266) isin direct contact with at least one drive element (263) via an opening(265) in the first section of the conveying channel.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein per length of a conveying element (266) inthe conveying direction, at least two drive elements (263) are providedvia the opening (265) in the first section of the conveying channel. 4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of atleast one conveying element (266) is aligned substantially parallel tothe conveying direction in the first section of the conveying channel.5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the conveying elements (266)are driven by direct contact with at least one conveying element in thefirst section of the conveying channel.
 6. The method according to claim4, wherein the conveying elements in the transition area (UB) betweenthe first and the second section of the conveying channel are driven bydirect contact with the rear disk (267) of the conveying element in theconveying direction.
 7. A conveying device for conveying bulk goodscomprising a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements (266,269), wherein the conveying device comprises: a mechanical drive means(261) for driving the conveying elements (266, 269) in the conveyingdirection in a first section of the conveying channel, wherein theconveying elements are loosely arranged in the conveying channel,wherein the conveying channel comprises a feeding opening for feedingbulk goods in a second section of the conveying channel, and wherein theconveying device is configured such that in a third section of theconveying channel the first conveying element (269) is pressed by thesecond conveying element (266) and/or bulk goods through the conveyingchannel in the conveying direction.
 8. The conveying device according toclaim 7, wherein the conveying channel comprises an opening (265) in thefirst section through which the drive means (261) pushes the conveyingelements (266) via direct contact therewith through the first section ofthe conveying channel in the conveying direction.
 9. The conveyingdevice according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical drive means (261)comprises at least two drive elements (263), wherein the distancebetween the drive elements in the conveying direction corresponds tohalf the length of a conveying element.
 10. The conveying deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein drive elements (263) of the mechanicaldrive means are bolts and/or hydraulic elements and/or pneumaticelements.
 11. The conveying device according to claim 7, wherein theconveying channel has a non-rectangular feeding opening for bulk goodsin the second section.
 12. The conveying device according to claim 7,wherein the conveying channel has an opening whose width at the rearmostpoint of the opening in the conveying direction is smaller than atanother point of the opening.
 13. The conveying device according toclaim 12, wherein the opening is a drive opening and/or the feedingopening and/or an outlet opening and/or a viewing window and/or aninsertion opening for conveying elements.
 14. The conveying deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the conveying device, in particular theconveying channel, is lockable.
 15. The conveying device according toclaim 7, wherein at least one of the conveying elements is provided witha label for automatic identification and/or localization and theconveying device comprises a reader for reading out the label.